What are lentils and where do they come from?

There are many different types of lentils used in Indian cooking, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Dal, which is a type of lentil stew, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. Some of the most common types of lentils used in Indian cooking include masoor dal, toor dal, urad dal, and chana dal.

Lentils are a type of legume that is grown in many parts of the world. They are small, round, and reddish-brown in color. Lentils have a mild flavor and a firm texture. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins B and C. Lentils can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, simmering, or roasting. They are often used in stews, soups, and salads.

The different types of lentils used in Indian cooking 

There are many different types of lentils used in Indian cooking. Some of the most popular types include masoor dal, toor dal, urad dal, and chana dal. Each type of lentil has its own unique flavor and texture.

• Masoor Dal is a type of lentil that is red in color. It has a nutty flavor and a soft, mushy texture. It is often used in Gujarati cuisine.
• Toor Dal is a type of lentil that is yellow in color. It has a mild, earthy flavor and a firm, grainy texture. It is often used in North Indian cuisine.
• Urad Dal is a type of lentil that is black in color. It has a strong, pungent flavor and a firm, grainy texture. It is often used in South Indian cuisine.
• Chana Dal is a type of lentil that is yellow in color. It has a nutty flavor and a firm, crunchy texture. It is often used in North Indian cuisine.

How to cook lentils 

Cooking lentils is a simple process that can be done in a variety of ways. The most common way to cook lentils is by boiling them in water or broth. However, they can also be cooked in a pressure cooker or slow cooker.

When boiling lentils, it's important to add enough water or broth to cover them. They should be cooked until they are soft, but not mushy. Depending on the type of lentil, this can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

If you're using a pressure cooker or slow cooker, you'll need to add more water or broth since these appliances don't work with as much liquid. You can also add some spices to the lentils as they cook for extra flavor. Some of our favorites include cumin, turmeric, and garlic.

Once the lentils are cooked, you can serve them however you like. They can be eaten plain, or added to a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, and stews.

Dal, a popular dish in Indian cuisine made with lentils 

There are many different types of lentils used in Indian cooking, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Dal, which is a type of lentil stew, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. Some of the most common types of lentils used in Indian cooking include masoor dal, toor dal, urad dal, and chana dal.

Recipes using lentils as the main ingredient 

Lentils are a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. There are many different types of lentils, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Dal, which is a type of lentil stew, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. Some of the most common types of lentils used in Indian cooking include masoor dal, toor dal, urad dal, and chana dal.

Lentils can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, simmering, or roasting. They are often used in stews, soups, and salads. In this article, we will explore five different lentil curry dishes from Gujarati cuisine.

1. Gujarati Dal: This lentil curry dish is made with masoor dal, toor dal, and chana dal. It is flavoured with ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, and turmeric.
2. Gujarati Khatti Dal: This lentil curry is made with urad dal and toor dal. It is flavoured with tamarind paste, asafoetida, and cumin seeds.
3. Gujarati Suran Dal: This lentil curry is made with yam and moong dal. It is flavoured with ginger, green chili peppers, and cumin seeds.
4. Gujarati Moong Dal: This lentil curry is made with moong dal only. It is flavoured with ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, and turmeric.
5. Gujarati Masala Dal: This lentil curry is made with masoor dal and toor dal. It is flavoured with ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, and red chili powder. 

Tips for storing and preparing lentils 

Lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be stored in the pantry for up to a year. They do not need to be refrigerated and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for storing and preparing lentils:

• Store lentils in an airtight container in the pantry.
• Rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
• Lentils can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, simmering, or roasting.
• Lentil soup is a great way to use leftovers. Just add some water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.

FAQs about lentils

What is a lentil?

A lentil is a type of legume that is grown in many parts of the world. They are small, round, and reddish-brown in color. Lentils have a mild flavor and a firm texture.

What are the benefits of eating lentils?

Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins B and C. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, simmering, or roasting. They are often used in stews, soups, and salads.